2-13-11 KUWAIT: Kuwaiti opposition MPs refused to organize their ranks to drop Iraq debt

Highlights/Thoughts
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1. A source from the Kuwaiti parliamentary confirmed that Talabani's visit to Kuwait will open opposition from MPs to make claims against forgiving Iraq's 23 billion dollar debt
2. But, she said the government discussed the possibility of dropping some of the debt
3. She said the mass of the National Assembly of Kuawaits's Parliamentary does not want to drop the debt
4. She added that Iraq's president participated in the celebrations of Kuwaiti national, and opened negotiations to discuss outstanding issues between the two countries
5. She also stressed that the charged atmosphere between the legislative and executive branches would be an obstacle to any discussions or negotiations on the Iraqi debt

Please note that it has been rumored that Iraq must pay Kuwait the debt owed prior to the RV. Keep in mind that Kuwait holds the keys to letting Iraq out of Chapter 7. Also, it was rumored that Kuwait was allowed to exchange the IQD for Kuwaiti residents at an exchange rate equivalent to $.35. Further, it was said this was allowed as a way to compensate Kuwait for the $23 bil owed. This article seems to suggest that there is still debt owed by Iraq and that Kuwait is reluctant to forgive the debt. Maliki plans to be in Kuwait this Wednesday to discuss outstanding issues as well as the issue of Iraq getting out of Chapter 7.